Response to government announcement on funding for EU students commencing courses in 2018–19

"We welcome this announcement, which provides much needed clarity for EU students applying to start courses at English universities in the 2018–19 academic year. The university sector has made clear to government the urgent need to address this issue, as universities have already begun to receive enquiries from prospective students for the 2018–19 intake."

"It is good to see that the government has recognised the value of EU students and guaranteed their access to financial support and home fee status across undergraduate and postgraduate levels."

"Students from EU countries can now apply for places on undergraduate courses starting in autumn 2018 with the confidence that they will not have to pay up-front tuition fees and will remain eligible to receive government-backed loans to cover their tuition fee for the duration of their courses. This announcement also means that EU students commencing courses in autumn 2018 will continue to pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the full duration of their courses, even those years past the point the UK exits the EU."

"It is now vital that this announcement is communicated effectively to prospective students across Europe. The UK should be an attractive destination for all qualified international students that would benefit from UK universities and can support themselves to study.

"Moving forward, we need to see a new post-Brexit immigration policy that encourages all international students to choose to study in the UK coupled with welcoming messages from Government, recognising their hugely positive social and economic impact on the UK."​

ENDS

Notes

Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK's universities. Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 135 members and offices in London, Cardiff (Universities Wales) and Edinburgh (Universities Scotland), it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk

For information on the implications of Brexit for UK universities, see Universities UK's Brexit FAQs and our briefing outlining policy priorities to support universities post-exit.​

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